Tuberculosis and multi-drug resistant tuberculosis in children

Infection and disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis remain a hugh global problem, and are not well controlled in several areas within the United States. Co-infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and immigration from areas with high rates of tuberculosis contribute to the problem in the United States. Organisms resistant to the two main drugs, isoniazid and rifampin, known as multidrug-resistant M. tuberculosis or MDR-TB, present serious therapeutic challenges. Strategies for the management of such cases are presented.